Instrument cluster lights: 1984 944...Damn bulbs
03-07-2002, 12:00 AM
#1
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Instrument cluster lights: 1984 944...Damn bulbs
I've got a few burnt out bulbs that I can't reach from underneath (most notibly all tach lights). I'm very reluctant to remove the steering wheel and the whole cluster just to swap a few bulbs. Somone mentioned to me that if you squeeze something behind the back of each instrument, they'll pop out. Has anyone ever done this? I'm not really seeing it and the Hayes manual isn't showing me a whole lot on the topic.
Most info on this is for 85.5+ dashes...
Most info on this is for 85.5+ dashes...
03-07-2002, 02:43 PM
#2
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If you have small-to-normal size hands, you can reach up behind the combo gauge from under the dash, and push on it--really hard--until it pops out. That's your only choice if you want OEM lighting.
What I did was (I'd just pulled all the instruments to put white gauge faces on when 3 bulbs burned out) got 4 LEDs from Rat Shack and wired them to shine on the instruments from the front; they're mounted inside the 3 holes in the bezel on the top.
What I did was (I'd just pulled all the instruments to put white gauge faces on when 3 bulbs burned out) got 4 LEDs from Rat Shack and wired them to shine on the instruments from the front; they're mounted inside the 3 holes in the bezel on the top.
03-07-2002, 05:10 PM
#3
Racer
I also have a 84 944NA and have pulled the gage cluster many times. It really doesn't take long. Just the speedo cables kind of a pain. Actually I'm changing the gage faces next weekend to white ones so I'll get another chance to improve my gage removal time. I'm down to just under 15 minutes.
Scott Harris
1984 944 NA
1973 911T targa
Scott Harris
1984 944 NA
1973 911T targa
03-07-2002, 09:00 PM
#4
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Alright, just for a first timer...perhaps a walk-through? Last time I was under there I don't remember being able to get my hands on anything that might resemble a speedometer or tach...
I'm to understand (as stated above) that getting those gauges is as simple as pushing really hard on the back of them? Is there anything I should be careful of (besides ripping out wires)? Like, maybe there's a release tab or something?
I'm to understand (as stated above) that getting those gauges is as simple as pushing really hard on the back of them? Is there anything I should be careful of (besides ripping out wires)? Like, maybe there's a release tab or something?
03-07-2002, 10:26 PM
#5
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Nope. They're steel gauge cups with a rubber strip around them press-fit into the bezel. Push REALLY hard on the combo and it'll pop out. Nothing to worry about breaking; the wiring goes to a plug in the back.
Be careful with the speedo, though--besides the cable (also a pain to get off) there's a circuit board screwed to the back that's easy to break.
Be careful with the speedo, though--besides the cable (also a pain to get off) there's a circuit board screwed to the back that's easy to break.
03-08-2002, 12:02 AM
#6
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Lovely...I'll give it a shot, thanks guys. Hopefully by tomorrow I'll have a tach at night...and a speedometer that doesn't stop at 40 after dark...
